News Summary
U.S. Representative Jim Jordan was recently deposed under oath regarding allegations of sexual abuse by former OSU doctor Richard Strauss. This deposition is part of a federal lawsuit filed by former athletes, claiming OSU failed to address allegations against Strauss, who died in 2005 after being accused of nearly 1,500 acts of sexual assault. Jordan, who previously coached OSU wrestling, faces scrutiny for his alleged awareness of abuses. The case’s unfolding raises critical questions about institutional accountability in preventing sexual abuse in athletics.
Columbus, Ohio — U.S. Representative Jim Jordan, a Republican from Ohio, was recently deposed under oath in connection with allegations surrounding sexual abuse by former Ohio State University (OSU) team doctor Dr. Richard Strauss. The deposition occurred as part of a federal lawsuit filed by former athletes asserting that OSU failed to prevent the abuse that occurred during Strauss’s tenure from 1978 to 1998. Strauss, who was accused of committing nearly 1,500 acts of sexual assault, died in 2005.
Jordan’s involvement in the case raises questions due to his time as an assistant coach for the OSU wrestling team from 1986 to 1994. Hundreds of former OSU athletes have accused Strauss of sexual abuse, and many have claimed that Jordan was aware of the misconduct but took no action to stop it. The lawsuit claims that the university did not appropriately address the allegations against Strauss, allowing the abuse to continue unchecked.
Jordan’s deposition took place on July 7, 2023, following the release of the documentary titled “Surviving Ohio State”, produced by George Clooney and directed by Eva Orner, which aired on June 17. The documentary features testimonies from former OSU wrestlers who allege that Jordan knew about the abuse while serving as a coach. Jordan’s office has not confirmed the specifics of the deposition but has reiterated his long-standing position that he had no knowledge of Strauss’s actions or any associated cover-up.
Previously, Jordan had testified during an independent university investigation pertaining to the misconduct allegations, but this was his first time giving testimony under oath. Reports indicate that other individuals connected to the case, including OSU’s former athletic director Andy Geiger, have also been questioned by lawyers representing the plaintiffs.
The allegations against Jordan resurfaced conversations about how OSU handled sexual abuse claims after the release of the documentary. Survivors of Strauss’s abuse expressed concern over the adequacy of the university’s response, particularly in light of the extensive nature of Strauss’s misconduct. Michael DiSabato, a former OSU wrestler, highlighted that awareness of other high-profile abuse cases led him to reflect on his own experiences with Strauss.
In light of these developments, it is important to note that OSU has already settled with nearly 300 survivors of Strauss’s abuse, providing them with an average payout of $252,000. However, many former athletes have voiced dissatisfaction with the settlement amounts, especially when compared to compensation received by victims of other abuse cases, such as former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, whose victims received significantly higher payouts.
Jordan has consistently maintained that he “never saw or heard of any abuse” and has asserted that he would have acted had he been aware of any wrongdoing. The ongoing legal proceedings related to Strauss’s case continue to garner attention as more information comes to light regarding the alleged actions—or inactions—of individuals in positions of authority at OSU during the years of Strauss’s abuse.
As the case unfolds, the focus remains on the comprehensive understanding of institutional responsibility and accountability in regards to preventing sexual abuse in athletics. The resolution of the federal lawsuit could have long-term implications for policies and practices at OSU and other institutions grappling with similar allegations.
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HERE Resources
Rep. Jim Jordan Testifies in Ohio State Abuse Lawsuit
Additional Resources
- Associated Press: Jim Jordan Deposed in Ohio State Abuse Case
- Los Angeles Times: Opinion on Ohio State Wrestling Abuse
- Dayton Daily News: Jim Jordan’s Deposition on Abuse Allegations
- 10TV: Jim Jordan Deposed in Federal Suit
- Ohio Capital Journal: Jim Jordan Knew About Strauss Abuse
- Wikipedia: Jim Jordan
- Google Search: Jim Jordan Ohio State Sexual Abuse
- Google Scholar: Ohio State Sexual Abuse Case Jim Jordan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Abuse
- Google News: Jim Jordan Ohio State Abuse Lawsuit
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
